Gone are the days when Namibian models were absent from the international stage, as evidenced by Namibia’s Jo-anne Nanus’ strut down the catwalk at Berlin Fashion Week (BFW).
The event is held twice a year and has gained international attention for its many creative young designers. One of the most important events for the German fashion industry, BFW is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and attracts over 70 000 visitors.
Nanus spoke to The Weekender from Germany recently, relating that BFW ended with a bang and she enjoyed every second of it.
“This is where the trends of tomorrow are born. As a runway model this event is definitely something almost anyone would want to have in their portfolio. I consider it a great step in my career and certainly a big achievement. The event was well organised, interesting and a beautiful show. It had some dramatic but elegant collections. I also had the chance to meet lots of creative designers and models,” the 24-year-old says.
The Windhoek-born beauty says taking part in BFW was beneficial to her career and personality as she learned more about herself.
“I learned that you need to plan, prepare and have a strategy in order to stand out from the rest. If not, you won’t get noticed. Being a young Damara/Nama lady with my natural hair created a unique look which made me stand out. This made the designers especially keen to work with me.”
Nanus’ opportunity to participate in the event came after one of her friends, Guenter Weig, paved the way for her to take part in Miss Heritage International, held in Paris, France, last year where she placed fourth.
“Two of the pageant’s judges were part of the organising team for the BFW and invited me to take part,” she says.
Being part of such a prestigious event was a dream come true. Nanus singles out Pia Bolte from New York and Evelina Anglickaité from The Netherlands as her favourite designers at the showcase.
The leggy model even got the chance to meet the English superstar Ed Sheeran. “I could not believe my eyes, at first I was not sure if it was him. I went to his table which was just across mine. I nervously and excitedly asked if he was actually Ed Sheeran, he laughed and said what do you think? I immediately I asked if I can have a selfie with him. A bit later when we models were on the dance floor, he came to talk to us. We chatted a bit, mainly about Namibia and South Africa. He was such a friendly and funny guy. I love his music,” she said.
Fashion Investment
Nanus says Germany’s fashion industry differs a lot from Namibia’s especially in terms of investment, which she believes is lacking in her homeland.
“The industry is much bigger in Germany. It attracts investors. There are scouts who don’t do anything but look for potential. In Namibia there are hardly any platforms and the industry lacks sponsorship and support systems for upcoming models and designers,” she says.
“In Namibia most models don’t feel respected. Your work does not feel appreciated and it does not feel like people are taking you seriously. There is also a huge concern when it comes to payment. In Germany, for instance, you can make a living by being a model, but in Namibia, you really can’t.”
Visiting Germany was an astonishing expe-rience, and Nanus was was amazed by the vibrant Berlin’s size, beauty and uniqueness.
“Berlin is huge. At first getting around was very difficult for me. I had to learn a few words in German to communicate with the people, which is just as hard as people say it is. Besides that, it is a very beautiful city – filled with diversity and loaded with history that you can find in its architecture, which has a modern touch.”
She has been in Berlin since November and says she loves the affordable food and safe transportation.
“Berlin is very safe at any given time of the day. The people are easygoing and there are amazing restaurants with cafés on every corner and the night life is just pure fun. There is always something happening every weekend, from interesting art exhibitions to fashion shows, you name it. My personal favourite was how people celebrate Weihnachten (Christmas). It is so festive
and truly jolly,” she said.
Nanus also enjoyed visiting famous historical sites like the Brandenburg Gate and Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
“I am fascinated by history. Seeing the sites that I heard about from my school books and paying my tributes to those who lost their lives was beyond my imagination. I also love the city of Hamburg. It is definitely worth visiting.”
Starting Out
Growing up, Nanus never ima-gined she would one day walk the runway. As a little girl she enjoyed hanging with the boys playing football and marbles. When she was in high school, one friend started encouraging her to participate in pageants and modelling gigs.
“Even one of my neighbours from the Damara location in Katutura started calling me Miss Namibia instead of my actual name.”
In 2014 Nanus competed in Miss Jan Jonker Afrikaner, making it to the top five. In 2017 she was one of 30 semi-finalists in the Miss Namibia pageant. Not pleased with her placement, Nanus entered again the following year and this time around made it to the top 12, even scooping the Miss Photogenic title.
Three months later she represented Namibia in China, in Miss Tourism World and Miss Tourism of the Globe.
She began modelling in 2014 and in 2017 joined Visions Models in Windhoek, where she received training from beauty pageant director and choreographer Sarel Haith. “Haith groomed me and also helped me with my walking and posture, especially during my journey for Miss Namibia 2018. Paolo Schneider was one of the first photographers who saw my potential and helped me with my portfolio. I also had support from my friends and family. These people are all a great contributor to where I am now. I am so thankful for each one of them.”
She says modelling has opened so many doors for her, helping her gain confidence and boosting her self-esteem.
“Modelling has allowed me to travel to beautiful countries and it made me befriend amazing people from all over the world that still play a vital role in my life.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
